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Minister Valcourt Opens Indian Village at Calgary Stampede

Indian Village opening helps kick off 10 days of Calgary Stampede events and activities

CALGARY, July 4, 2014 /CNW/ - Today the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, Parliamentary Secretary Mark Strahl and the Honourable Frank Oberle, Minister of Aboriginal Relations for Alberta, officially opened the Indian Village at the Calgary Stampede.

Indian Village is an important feature and one of the most popular attractions at Calgary Stampede. Over the course of the 10-day event, families from the five southern Alberta Treaty 7 Nations – Stoney, Blood, Siksika, Piikani and Tsuu T'ina – offer a glimpse of traditional life through showcasing arts and crafts, demonstrating meat cutting skills, exhibiting traditional dancing and games, and raising teepees, which are open to the public .

Quick Facts

Alberta Treaty 7 First Nations have been active participants in Calgary Stampede festivities and enjoyed a rewarding partnership with organizers since 1912.

Indian Village provides insight into the heritage of the Plains Indian Nations in a tranquil park setting at the south end of the Stampede grounds.

Every year, a new Calgary Stampede Indian Princess is selected to be an ambassador for Indian Village and Treaty 7 Nations. She also helps represent Calgary Stampede and the City of Calgary.

Known as "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth," Calgary Stampede welcomes over one million people from around the world every year.

Quotes

"I am happy to participate in the opening of the Indian Village, and I would like to encourage all visitors to experience this vital component of the Calgary Stampede. I respectfully acknowledge the important role the Elders of each First Nation of Treaty 7 play in passing their knowledge and culture onto their younger generations. As Canadians we value the place these traditions have in our heritage and we look forward to ensuring they remain a part of our future."

Bernard ValcourtMinister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"The Indian Village is a unique highlight of Calgary Stampede that every visitor to this world-class event will want to experience. Since the first Stampede 102 years ago, people from all walks of life and from all over the world have been able to enjoy an outstanding array of traditional native displays, entertainment and fare. It is a great honour to be here and play a part in today's celebration and to experience the beauty that is Indian Village."

Mark StrahlParliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development

"The Indian Village is a great opportunity for Albertans and visitors from around the world to learn more about the rich histories and cultures of Treaty 7 First Nations. The Alberta government is proud of our strong relationships with all the Treaty 7 First Nations, and it's an honour to be a part of this special event."